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How To Install Radiant Barrier — Radiant GUARD®

How to Install Radiant Barrier & Reflective Insulation

RadiantGUARD® radiant barrier insulation products can be used in unlimited ways to help control the transfer of heat. Below are just a few of the popular building applications. If you don’t see your desired application below, please feel free to contact us toll free at (866) 528-8412 for advice on your specific need.

Attic Installations

Most of the heat entering a home comes through the roof. RadiantGUARD® radiant barrier installed in an attics can reduce attic temperatures by up to 30 degrees when stapled with a staple gun to the underside of roof rafters by REFLECTING up to 97% of the radiant heat that strikes its surface thereby reducing heat transfer from the attic to living spaces resulting in lower utility bills. This method also reduces the heat subject to attic mounted AC duct work thereby allowing them to work more efficiently.

A secondary method of installation, instead of installing under the attic rafters, is to lay them over the attic floor. Although this method of laying over the attic floor won’t lower the temperature of your attic space, it will still REFLECT up to 97% of the radiant heat that strikes its surface thereby reducing heat transfer from the attic to living spaces resulting in lower utility bills. To compensate for the exposed AC duct work with this installation method, you can easily lay a blanket of radiant barrier over the duct work to protect them from the heat.

General Installation Tips

The following tips are provided to help reduce the labor time involved and make your radiant barrier installation project and easy one.

Start early in the morning when your attic is at its coolest.

Carry all of your radiant barrier and tools into the attic to avoid unnecessary trips to and fro.

Keep plenty of water on hand and drink even if you don’t think you’re thirsty; especially in the summer months.

If your attic is not well lit, bring some type of additional lighting source.

Find a centrally located area to set up your work area.

Always be cautious of the attic floor joists you walk on. Some have a tendency of rolling when not securely fastened to the floor of the attic.

For Do-It-Yourself-ers, don’t try to complete a large job in one day. Take your time and spread the installation out over several days taking advantage of the cooler hours of the day.

For professional contractors, work in groups of two to three. Having someone focused on cutting the product and handing it over to someone else installing it helps cut down installation times.

Installing Under Roof Rafters

Suggested Product:RadiantGUARD® Ultima-FOIL breathable (this version is perforated to allow moisture from home to easily pass through and out of your home).

Starting 3″ from the top peak (or ridge vent), install our Ultima-foil breathable radiant barrier across the bottom of the rafters (horizatonal / perpendicular to rafters) from one end of the roof to the other. Staple the radiant barrier to each rafter.

Note: If your roof peak is too high, choose a point and create a faux ceiling with the radiant barrier going from one side of the roof to the other side (this is called the «flat top» method) then follow the remaining instructions for all sides of your roof.

Working your way down towards the bottom of the roof, install a second row overlaping the first row by two (2) inches and staple to each rafter.

If you have gable walls (exterior verticle side walls of roof), install in the same manner making sure to cut out material over any and all air vents to allow for air flow.